The rise in imports of both iron ore and soybean, however, was attributed by analysts to opportunistic buying on favourable price moves, with subdued domestic demand seen potentially driving a surge in the stockpiles of both the commodities.

"We had expected imports (of iron ore) to slow down because port inventory remains high, but I think the price decline in June triggered some increase in bookings for seaborne cargoes and steel producers took that opportunity to stock up on some high-quality iron ore," said Helen Lau, analyst at UOB-Kay Hian Securities in Hong Kong.

Data from the General Administration of Customs on Friday showed that China's overall exports jumped 14.5 percent in July, far higher than anticipated, but imports fell 1.6 percent year on year after rising 5.5 percent in June, suggesting that overall domestic demand remains sluggish. [ID:nL4N0QD333]

The record trade surplus was reflected in China's oil flows, with net oil product exports reaching 101,613 barrels per day, the highest level this year. China imported 1.86 million tonnes of oil products in July and exported 2.31 million tonnes, customs data showed.

"The decline in crude imports was surprising, and combined with net product exports suggests that domestic product oil demand was particularly weak in July," Citigroup said in a note.

Chinese steel product exports also continued to rise in July, up 14 percent on the month at 8.06 million tonnes.

Citigroup said that implied steel demand actually fell 3.4 percent on a monthly basis in July, and domestic mills were becoming increasingly dependent on overseas markets, with the share of net exports in overall steel production now at 9.5 percent, its highest since 2008.

"This share is likely near the peak," it said, especially in the face of growing trade sanctions as foreign markets take action against cheaper Chinese supplies.

RISING STOCKPILES

Purchases of iron ore remained at a high level despite soaring stockpiles and a relatively weak domestic steel sector, with buyers still attracted by bargain prices. Shipments in July rose to 82.52 million tonnes, the third highest on record.

Port stockpiles fell for two consecutive weeks to reach 111.95 million tonnes by August 1, but they remain 46 percent higher than at the same time last year, according to data from SteelHome .

Soybean imports reached 7.47 million tonnes, up 17 percent compared to June, thanks to a 10 percent fall in prices that eased some of the margin pressures on domestic crushers.

But the China National Grains and Oils Information Center, a government-backed think-tank, said inventories of imported soybeans reached 6.3 million tonnes at the beginning of August, up about 300,000 tonnes in just a week and its highest level since September last year.